A train line in Devon has been closed indefinitely after a massive sinkhole appeared under the tracks. The one-metre deep fault emerged on Sunday between Caldercruix and Drumgelloch in North Lanarkshire, prompting Network Rail to suspend services.
Network Rail is working with contractors to assess the extent of the sinkhole, which is believed to have been caused by a hidden underground spring. A reopening date will only be announced once investigations and a repair plan are complete.
Services between Helensburgh Central and Edinburgh are suspended between Airdrie and Bathgate, and are likely to remain closed until at least April 29. An alternative bus service will operate every 30 minutes during peak hours and hourly outside those times.
Ross Moran, Interim Route Director for Network Rail Scotland, said: 'Sinkholes like this are very unusual on the railway, and our specialist geotechnical engineers are working tirelessly to identify the cause, as well as planning the repairs, so we can reopen the railway.'
Phil Campbell, ScotRail's Customer Operations Director, advised passengers to plan ahead and allow extra time for bus replacements. He said: 'We are doing everything we can to keep our customers moving while this issue is resolved.'
